Overview & Reviews

There are affordable cars, and then there are cars that offer thrilling performance. Rarely do the two ever converge, but Japanese automaker Mazda has made it a tradition of coming up with vehicles that combine both of these eminently desirable traits.

The Toyo Cork Kogyo Company, founded in 1920 in Hiroshima, Japan, used the name "Mazda" for its first three-wheeled truck, built in 1931. Company founder Jujiro Matsuda chose the word "Mazda" because it was the name of the Zoroastrian god of good and light. Work on a small sedan began in the late 1930s, but development was halted so the company could pitch in with Japan's war effort. In the wake of World War II and the rebuilding that followed, the company refocused its efforts on car development and manufacturing.

By 1960, the first Mazda automobile -- the R360 coupe -- was developed, and the company's foray into the production of passenger vehicles began in full force. Other landmark developments were soon to follow. In 1961, the company entered into a technical partnership with NSU and Wankel to develop and produce rotary engines, a union that led to Mazda's distinguishing itself as the only manufacturer to offer three engine configurations: conventional gasoline piston, diesel and rotary. The '60s also saw the introduction of the company's first pickup, the B-Series 1500, as well as its first rotary-engine vehicle, the 110S Cosmo Sport.

Mazda began selling cars in the U.S. in 1970. In the early part of the decade, the automaker rolled out the RX-2. Powered by the noted 12A rotary, the RX-2 introduced America to Mazda's effort to build cars that were affordable and fun to drive. The decade also saw the introduction of the RX-3, RX-4 and now iconic rotary-powered RX-7 sports car. In 1979, Ford Motor Company purchased a 25 percent stake in Mazda after the Japanese company encountered a number of financial difficulties.

The 1980s was a decade of rebirth for Mazda. The company officially took on the Mazda name (though all its vehicles since its launch in the '20s have carried that brand). It also witnessed an upswing in sales sparked by successful new products like the 323 (which was first called the GLC in the American market) and 626. The 1990 model year saw the launch of a car that would prove a huge hit for Mazda: the MX-5 Miata. Lauded for its ultra-responsive handling and affordability, the drop top has been a consistent favorite, and now holds the distinction of being the world's best-selling roadster.

Mazda began the 1990s with a bang by winning Le Mans with the 787B; it was the first time a Japanese automaker had won the prestigious race, and marked the only win for a rotary engine. Vehicles like the RX-7 and MX-5 Miata scored kudos from automotive journalists, and landed on many top 10 lists. However, save for the Miata, the company's vehicles experienced declining sales in the U.S., and the company's fortunes suffered as a result.

The new millennium has seen Mazda regain its stride, as the automaker has invested in new development. Models like the Mazda 2 and CX-9 have broadened the lineup and won over a whole new generation of fans, while the enthusiast-oriented RX-8 and Mazdaspeed performance models have exemplified the company's spirited philosophy. Most recently, Mazda has focused on designing its cars to be as fuel-efficient as possible while also still being fun to drive and affordable to own.

User Reviews:

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  More fun than Pilot, just as safe - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Tripl3threat - February 3 - 3:06 am

  I purchased an 09 Honda Pilot EX-L and an 09 CX-9 GT this month, and while I think they are the 2 best SUV/X-Overs on the market (under $40K), I do like the CX-9 over the Pilot. The Pilot drives like a truck - not that different from my Ford Explorer. The CX-9 drives like a performance tuned car. Easy to get in and out for all seating positions, tight handling, good acceleration and smooth and quiet braking. The Pilot looks like it should be driving through the Texas ranch-lands, while the CX-9 is right at home next to the Cayennes and Q7s in the Costco parking lot. All up, the CX-9 is about $5k less than the Pilot. Most of all, the CX-9 feels safest for kid hauling, and is a lot of FTD.

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  Fun if your transmission works - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By mazda6sowner - February 2 - 10:00 am

  got my 03 with only 19k miles on it, put a couple more thousand on it and the transmission went out. I went to 4 shops trying to find out why it slams into gear and they all say its in perfect condition. the car has amazing looks and driving like a dream (when the transmission wants to work with you), but unless they fix the trannys i would not recommend. and my SUV gets better gas mileage in town

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  Surprised at how much I like it - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By illy - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle used, with 38,000 miles on it. I just needed a car to get me through 6-8 months after my husband PCSd with out Jetta and until i could join him. I have to say that I havent had any of the problems with the vehicle that people have mentioned. So far I am really impressed with this little SUV. It has all the space I need and with a baby due in Jan, it will accommodate all the extras and the 72 lb dog without any problems.

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  Very Happy with Our Choice - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By andrewtx - February 1 - 12:43 pm

  We traded in a 2003 Ford Expedition in which we were very disappointed for a 2007 CX-9. We immediately took it on a 1,600 mile trip. We averaged about 23 mpg on the highway (best individual fill up was 26.3 mpg). The performance of this vehicle is very impressive. It has the smoothest shifting automatic transmission Ive ever seen. Pickup is impressive. The level of comfort was amazing. Im 61" and usually suffer through long drives. However, a 12 hour (800 mile) drive in this vehicle was very comfortable. Lots of room for all our beach "stuff" with the 3rd seat folded down (umbrellas, cooler, beach chairs, etc). Even with all this stuff, we could still see out the rear window.

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  The Best "Mazda" - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By nikkidunford - February 1 - 11:36 am

  I have fallen in love with Mazda, the only thing is that oil changes are the not the cheapest but still not the most expensive. Non-dealerships dont usually stock parts for these cars. But well built great new design. Awesome car.

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  I was hooked on Toyotas ... not anymore - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Nicole - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned the Mazda3 hatch (in the attention commanding Winning Blue, of course) for 6 months and I am VERY impressed. Ive never considered vehicles outside of Toyota or Honda and am so glad I took the leap. Ive never had better handling. I saw this car on the road and HAD to have it. I spent just a little extra to get the moonroof/6 cd package, rear bumper step plate, moonroof wind deflector, cargo tray, cassette player, and autodim mirror. Coming in at exactly $20k, every option was well worth it and, since I purchased them with the vehicle, they are warrantied for 50k miles too. Only thing to add now is the $700 Phatnoise MP3 system. Mazda is smooth to offer this voice activated system.

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  Water coming into car after heavy rain - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By rant1 - January 31 - 10:21 pm

  Not happy with the car or the service. Water comes through the windsheild and Mazda will not cover it because the car was in a minor accident damaging the front fog light. They are unrelated but Mazda claims that they are related. Now I have electrical problems similar to ones I see posted elsewhere and they will not cover that either. A lemon from the beginning with poor service.

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  Former Camry Owner Loves the Mazda3 - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Susan - January 30 - 11:56 pm

  I was tired of driving my "old lady" Camry and when I found this Mazda3, I had to have it. I chose the smaller engine for better fuel economy and added the sunroof option and a rear spoiler. This is a great looking car and so much fun to drive.

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  Loved my tribute!!I - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By nat - January 30 - 10:23 pm

  I had my lovely car for close to 10 years when a truck backed into it and smashed the radiator and grill :-( still arguing with insurance. It had 150,000 miles on it and ran like a dream-- mechanics all said (both dealer & private) that it had many more miles on it. I had to get a new transmission at 147,000 miles other than that just the regular wear-- oil change and brakes. I am negotiating with insurance but I WANT MY CAR BACK!! I love my tribute and Im sure it has many more years left in it.

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  Overall great small SUV, minor issues - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By HCP - January 30 - 9:00 pm

  I currently have 55K miles on my Tribute and have had no issues with it. There was a factory recall on a computer chip, and a seatbelt which was replaced at no charge, and the dealership gave me a nice loaner while it was fixed. I love the design, and it handles great in snow, mud and slush. I travel gravel roads daily and it is quite comfortable. I average ~17 mpg, which is my only complaint. The paint has held up quite well, and have not problems with molding, etc. The leather has also proved quite durable. The 4WD has performed beautifully in varied terrain. I would definitely purchase another.